Parking in One day in Florence

A trip to Europe isn’t complete without visiting the birthplace of the Renaissance era. What city are we talking about? Well, Florence, Italy, of course! With its incredible red-roofed buildings, it is no wonder that so many great artists were inspired to create a new revolution of art in the Tuscan capital. Well-known for the art influence of the Medici family, Florence is also important in the field of fashion and for its economic impact.

Even if you only have a day to spend in this stunning city, you will not regret making the journey for a second. With so many things to see and do, it is hard to decide on the most important attractions in Florence. We put together a guide for a day in Florence to help you figure out the must-see points of interest.

Where to begin?

Top attractions in Florence

Your day will begin with the iconic Piazza del Duomo. Also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, this immense architectural structure is hard to miss along the city’s skyline. If you ever studied Renaissance architecture in school, you will remember that the famous dome was built by Filippo Brunelleschi, who is celebrated as one of the founding fathers of the Renaissance. This Gothic style cathedral is an incredible place to visit, and you will admire everything from the façade to the Baptistery to Giotto’s Campanile.

After taking in this awe-inspiring structure, your next stop will be the political center of the city: Piazza della Signoria. The L-shaped square is surrounded on all sides by famous structures and it is filled with statues from some of the greatest sculptures, including Donatello and Verrocchio. You can decide how much time you want to spend in this area, simply walking around or going into the various attractions.

Both the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery are located off of the Piazza della Signoria. We definitely recommend going inside these important points of interest if your schedule allows. The Palazzo Vecchio is said to be one of the most impressive town halls in all of Tuscany, while the Uffizi Gallery houses the world-renowned Birth of Venus by Botticelli.

Close by, you will find the Ponte Vecchio, which is an old and iconic bridge in Florence. It’s main purpose is to connect the Palazzo Vecchio and the Palazzo Pitti; however, this bridge has become a popular tourist destination for the shops that still do business over the waterway.  

The final two places that you need to visit while in Florence are the Santo Spiritu and the Accademia Gallery. Santo Spiritu is a church constructed by Brunelleschi and you will find great places to eat in the surrounding area. The Accademia Gallery is an important stop for art and history lovers alike, as the famous David statue by Michelangelo is housed in this museum.

If you have extra time

Depending on how much time you have left, think about stopping by the Piazzale Michalangelo. From this vantage point on the hills of Florence, you can admire the entire city. Who could go to Florence and not want to take it all in at once? With these incredible panoramic views, you can make all of your Instagram followers jealous of your day trip to Florence.

During your visit, you have to make sure to stop and do some shopping. Even if you only window shop, Florence is known for fashion, jewelry and mosaics. If you pass by either Ferragamo or Conte of Florence, you absolutely have to go in, as these stores are two of the most iconic in the entire city. Your taste buds will also delight in a trip to Florence, and while you are near the Santo Spiritu Church, you have to sample the Florencia wine, cheese and focaccia bread. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a refreshing and delicious gelato after lunch in one of the restaurants.

If you can’t get to all of these incredible attractions in one day, don’t worry! Florence will always be there, waiting for your return.